Skaf gang rapist to be freed on parole

GANG rapist Mohammed Sanoussi has been granted parole after serving nearly 13 years for the brutal sexual assaults of three young woman in 2000.

AAP

AAPSeptember 5, 20131:01pm

Skaf gang member Mohammed Sanoussi in an undated copy photo released in 2002.Source:Supplied

SKAF gang rapist Mohammed Sanoussi has been granted parole after serving nearly 13 years in jail for the brutal sexual assaults of three young woman in 2000.

The 29-year-old was nearing the end of a 16-year sentence for his role in the August 2000 gang rapes of young girls in isolated Sydney locations.

The attacks, involving 14 men, were led by brothers Bilal and Mohammed Skaf.

Sanoussi, who committed the offences when he was 16, has been allowed out on weekend leave since last October and day leave for the past five months.

At Parramatta District Court on Thursday, the NSW Parole Authority ruled that Sanoussi be granted parole for several reasons.

It said his prison performance had been "satisfactory", he had completed programs to address his behaviour, had complied with day leave conditions and would "enjoy family support" on his release. Police had opposed parole, alleging that members of the Brothers For Life crime gang had been meeting at Sanoussi's family home. NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said in August that the NSW government was also opposing parole.

The authority granted parole on 30 strict conditions, including that Sanoussi wear an electronic monitoring device and not associate with any Brothers For Life members.

Sanoussi's lawyer, Ruth Layton, said her client - who appeared via video link and sat hunched for much of the hearing - was committed to staying out of trouble.

"I feel confident that he has matured ... and he's shown cooperation at every stage," she said outside court.